2016 AYA CAREER EXPLORATION DAY

The Afropolitan Youth Association (AYA) would like to invite you to be a guest at our “Career Exploration Day” seminar, to be held Saturday April 30th, from 4PM to 6PM at I/O Spaces – 8120 Fenton St Second Floor Ste 202 & 204. Silver Spring, MD 20910 This educational seminar will explore career opportunities in Television, Radio, Print/Online Publications and Social Media in the 21st century.

The theme is “Navigating the Media Industry.” Come network and listen to a diverse panel of top media industry experts in a discussion on how to break into the media industry. #AYACED2016 FREE with RSVP!

Panelists: Maureen Umeh of FOX5 – DC, Roger Muntu of “Voice of America”, Patricia Carroll of CNN and Nkakra Nkakra Film Works, Isoke Karamoko of “Empire Life Magazine”, Jackson Mvunganyi of “Voice of America” and Tag Soundz. Panelists Moderator: Raro Lae (CEO of “The Raro Lae Blog”).
Following the discussion will be a “Meet and Greet” with AYA members for all individuals interested in participating in FestAfrica 2016 as a Sponsor, Vendor, Entertainer, Fashion Designer, Volunteer, or Intern. We look forward to speaking with you about what to expect for this years festival.

PANELIST BIO PROFILES

Maureen Umeh

Multiple Emmy Award winning television anchor and reporter, MAUREEN UMEH anchors number one rated newscasts on Washington, DCs Fox 5 News. Maureen joined the FOX news team in September 2002, after serving as one of the primary anchors for the late evening newscasts at WSPA-TV; the CBS affiliate in the Greenville- Spartanburg, South Carolina. She has also worked with various other news organizations including, CNN, NBC, CLTV, AP, and Reuters.Maureen has been honored with several awards for her work, including multiple Emmy Awards; Edward R.Murrow Awards; and Associated Press Awards for Investigative Series; Best Newscast; General Assignment Reporting; Breaking News and Continuing Coverage of a Major Event. She has also been honored by many organizations, including the Illinois Broadcasters Association; South Carolina Television and Arts Association; the NAACP and the American Cancer Association.

Isoke Karamoko

Isoke Karamoko serves as the Executive Editor of EmpireLifeMag.com, a guide for aspiring businesses and brands, as well as advocates for established women in business that deserve a platform to shine. As the pulse of the digital platform, Isoke facilitates the contributor intake process, manages the team of resident &amp; guest contributors, coordinates themes, develops &amp; maintains each editorial calendar and more. Isoke is also an Executive Team Member of The Unlocked Summit, whose mission is to provide an interactive and valuable learning experience for entrepreneurial-minded women. Her overall goal is to support the visionaries behind the summit and to work with them to develop experiences that not only inspire women, but provide them with the tools needed to take their dreams to the next level. @empirelifemag

Jackson Muneza Mvunganyi

Jackson Muneza Mvunganyi is a multimedia reporter and host of Upfront a Youth oriented talk show on the Voice of America. Each week, Upfront reaches millions of young adults on the African continent and beyond. Jackson interacts with African youth on issues ranging from leadership,education,innovation etc. Jackson also produces four other VOA talk shows that target African audiences. He runs the blog www.upfrontafrica a finalist in the Diageo awards for ‘Best Use of New Media in telling Stories.’ A native of Rwanda, Mvunganyi has a Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia development from the American University in Washington D.C., and a Masters degree in Information Management at the University of Maryland. Jackson has had a multi-faceted broadcasting career so far, working in both radio,Print and television, in Africa and the United States. @UpfrontAfrica

Patricia Carroll

Patricia Carroll has worked in the communications industry for over 18 years specializing in radio and television broadcast news. After graduating from Alabama State University she started her professional career as an intern with NPR Radio. She’s worked for NBC, ABC Radio, National Geographic, BET, Al Hurra TV, and VOA as a freelancer. Patricia also has been a full time technician for CNN the last 12 years. She’s currently working on her first short form documentary produced by her independent film company Nkakra Nkakra Film Works. Patricia also takes pride in mentoring and training younger colleagues. Outside of the media business Patricia enjoys community work, traveling, dancing and watching documentaries.

Roger Muntu

Roger Muntu is a multi-international Journalist, Radio and TV personality. He’s hosts the RM Show on Voice of America in Washington, DC, from the French-speaking service for Africa which showcases culture, music of different genres, a comedy segment, as well as a weekly conversation with listeners on social issues. He also was a longtime host of the M2 Show from 2005-2013. Roger is also an actor, a musician, an audio and visual producer, and an event promoter. He hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo @rmshowvoa

Sam Adaramola

Tag Soundz gives people an enjoyable experience, by passionately reflecting Afro-Caribbean culture. We do this through music, radio, and events. @tagsoundz Sam Adaramola, Born in Nigeria, raised in America, Sam is currently a full-time digital designer and marketer. He has a degree in Advertising and Public relations, and also a studied film as minor in school. Formerly an account executive at a global PR/Advertising firm, Sam currently works as a freelance creative. Claude Moukouri: A lover of all things fried plantain, hailing from Cameroon, Claude has spent over a decade here in the United States. A graduate from Morgan State University, Claude has developed a the last five years as self-employed DJ, Host and Entertainer. Michael Meadows: A first generation Nigerian-American. Formerly a Network Engineer, Michale is currently a full-time designer and photographer. Michael prides himself on being a cranberry juice connoisseur.

Raro Lae Abugo

Raro Lae Abugo (Moderator) is a multi-award winning media correspondent and blogger (93.9 WKYS, 95.5 WPGC, DMV. African Entertainment Awards, DMV Network & more) currently generating traffic of over one hundred thousand hits a month, with consistent traffic in 141 countries. It is acknowledged and recognized as a credible source for over 150 renowned entertainment companies, websites, and media blogs, including The Shaderoom, Baller Alert, Bossip, FOX News and many more. Raro Lae was also featured on ABC News, on multiple occasions, once as the number one international blog based in America. We are a multimedia channel dedicated to giving viewers the latest news on entertainment, lifestyle, DIY tutorials and products. Raro hails from Southern Nigerian state called Delta. @TheRaroLaeBlog

FAQs:

Who is A.Y.A?
The Afropolitan Youth Association (AYA) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our mission is uniting and empowering African youths for a positive future.

Is there a cost for the seminar?
No! Seminar is FREE with RSVP via eventbrite event.

What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
Silver Spring Metro Station is only a few blocks away. Parking is FREE on the weekends and the event is close to two large parking garages that are also FREE on weekends.

What can/can’t I bring to the event?
Please bring a friend, co-worker, or anyone else you believe will benefit from such an informative and excellent event such as this. All individuals interested in participating in FestAfrica, this is a great way to sign up early.

Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?
Afropolitanyouth@gmail.com / info.festafrica@gmail.com

Who can attend or what’s the age limit to enter the event?
This event is perfect for high school, college, and working age professional adults!!!